Page 86 of Rise After Fall

Zoey slowly turns to see who has entered.

“Morris.” It’s an anguished rasp.

I walk to her, and she collapses into my arms.

I pull her in. One arm around her waist and the other cradling her head as she begins to tremble.

My questioning eyes go to Joanna.

She shakes her head as silent tears begin to roll down her cheeks.

We stand there for what feels like hours but could only have been a few moments while she falls apart.

I bring my lips to the top of her head and kiss her. Then, I shift my hands to the sides of her face and gently lift it so I can see her eyes.

She blinks up at me and swallows hard.

Then she takes a deep breath and the walls she has built around her come crashing down.

“You were right. I’m a mess. I sabotaged everything because of him.”

I guide her to the sofa and pull her into my lap. “You’re going to have to help me out here, baby. Bring me up to speed. What are you two talking about?”

She hiccups and wipes at her eyes. “The Olympic trials,” she stutters.

“It was one bad landing. Not the end of the world.”

“I just gave up,” she says.

“Everybody makes mistakes,” I say, comforting her.

She shakes her head. “Maybe it wasn’t a mistake; maybe it was a choice.”

“What does that mean?” I ask.

“It means, I decided my future that day.”

Then, I get it.

“You did miss it on purpose? Is that what you’re telling me?”

She lays her head on my shoulder. “I’m saying it was the perfect day. Perfect powder. No wind. I was in the best shape of my life. I could land that jump in my sleep.”

“But you didn’t,” I finish for her.

“No.”

“You want to tell me why?” I ask.

She nods.

“I’m going to let you guys talk. Zoey, I’ll be next door if you need me,” Joanna says.

Zoey’s eyes look up at her. “Okay,” she whispers.

“Right next door, so you just have to yell,” she assures.

Then, she looks at me, and I mouth,I got her.